Trenching and Excavation Safety Trenching and Excavation Safety Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Trenching and Excavation Safety Trenching and Excavating is very common on our jobsites here at Phalcon. Working in an unprotected trench is dangerous. The walls can collapse suddenly and without warning. When this happens, workers often do not have time to move out of the way. A small amount of soil may not seem dangerous, but one square yard can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. This small amount of dirt is enough to fatally crush and suffocate a teammate. For this reason, OSHA requires that all excavations 5 ft deep or greater be protected from cave-ins. Protective Systems There are different types of protective systems. Sloping involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation. Shoring requires installing aluminum hydraulic or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins. Shielding protects workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins. Designing a protective system can be complex because you must consider many factors: soil classification, depth of cut, water content of soil, changes due to weather or climate, surcharge loads and other operations in the vicinity. Dangers of trenching and excavation In addition to cave-ins, other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment. Competent Person A competent person must ensure that trenches are inspected before work, daily and as conditions change to ensure elimination of hazards. A competent person is someone who has been properly trained and authorized to take corrective measures to eliminate hazards and unsafe conditions. Access and Egress Safe access and egress are required for all trench excavations 4 feet or deeper, including ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means. Access and egress measures must be located within 25 feet of all teammates in the trench. General trenching and excavation rules • Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges. • Keep spoil piles and materials at least 2ft from trench edges. • Know where underground utilities are located before digging and ensure dig safe is notified prior to performing any trenching/excavation activities. • Test for atmospheric hazards before entering and while occupied. • Do not work underneath suspended loads/materials. • Inspect excavations daily and after any occurrence that could have changed the conditions. Additional Comments Trainer * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit Δ
